Known as the “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc Vietnam is famous for its unique beauty of a range of karst formations and natural landscapes. To come here, you only need to have a 2-hour driving route from Hanoi, which is ideal for having a Hanoi Tam Coc trip day for interesting experiences.

In this blog, Vietnamtour.in will show a detailed guide for your journey to this spot, including an estimated budget, outstanding attractions, and how to get there. Right now, let’s start your discovery with us!

Brief Information

Tam Coc Vietnam (or Tam Coc – Bich Dong) is an outstanding highlight of the Trang An Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both natural and cultural values. It includes the 3 main grottoes, namely Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Cave which are formed along the Ngo Dong River.

Besides that, tourists to Tam Coc Vietnam will have a chance to admire the charming beauty of a range of surrounding landscapes. If you prefer experiencing the culture of locals, don’t miss wet rice cultivation – one long-standing tradition in Vietnam.

Location: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
Opening hours (boat tours): 8.30 AM – 6.30 PM
Tour ticket: 2.5 – 5 USD/pax
Best for: Family and groups of friends

Location

Tam Coc is situated in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, which is around 100 km distant from the city center of Hanoi. Along the way to this spot, you will come across a lot of beautiful sights like Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh, or Mua Caves.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to drop in Tam Coc – Bich Dong is from January to April. During this time, visitors can take part in numerous famous festivals to discover more about the local culture. Additionally, the chilly weather can bring a strong impression in your mind.

How To Get There

From Ninh Binh

From Ninh Binh City, let’s catch a taxi to move to Tam Coc, which doesn’t cost you much money. However, if you prefer admiring the natural beauty along the way to this destination, you can rent a motorbike.

From Ha Noi

There are various ways to reach Tam Coc-Bich Dong from Hanoi, including motorbikes, cars, or local buses. However, we recommend you travel in a bus, starting from the Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi for safety. After around 2 hours, you will reach the center of Ninh Binh, then take a bus or taxi to Tam Coc.

Besides that, you can book a tour with a local guide to have a deeper understanding of this destination.

Ticket Fees

Below are the updated ticket fees for all relevant services during your journey to Tam Coc Vietnam. In particular:

Parking fee: 0.4 USD/motorbike
Boat ticket: 6 USD/boat/4 adults
Sightseeing tour: 2.5 – 5 USD/pax

Different Ways of Discovering Tam Coc

By boat

Route: Boat Wharf – Ngo Dong River – Tam Coc (Three Caves) – Thai Vi Temple – Thien Huong Grotto
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Ticket price: 2.5 – 5 USD/pax

To experience the Tam Coc boat tours, you can come here from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM. Besides that, you should be aware that a boat can accommodate a maximum of 2 foreign and 4 Vietnamese travelers.

By bicycle

If you want to do a self-bike tour to discover Tam Coc, it is not a challenge. The normal rent price is around 1.5 USD/hour and 2.5 – 3.5 USD/day. However, you should get the support of local guides to have a good preparation for your journey.

Besides that, you need to know how far from Tam Coc Vietnam is to other destinations to opt for a better option. For example:

Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda: 3 km
Tam Coc – Mua Cave: 5 km
Tam Coc – Thung Nham Garden: 7 km
Tam Coc – Trang An: 8 km
Tam Coc – Hoa Lu: 15 km

What To See During The Trip To Tam Coc

Seeing Tam Coc on the trip is not only generally a peaceful boat ride, but also has the chance to see temples and caves and cultural heritage of northern Vietnam. Every experience in Tam Coc has a different story and after centuries of the interactions between culture and the natural environment.

Experience the Enigmatic Wonder of the Three Tam Coc Caves

The Tam Coc area boasts three natural caves on water: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave, formed over millions of years by the Ngo Dong River flowing through limestone mountains. As you row your boat on the calm river, you’ll drift under arching cliffs and verdant rice fields, before reaching the entrance to Ca Cave.

Inside, the air is cool, and the stalactites shimmer, providing a tranquil and mystical ambiance. At times, you’ll even have to crouch down to see the ceiling of the cave above. As you paddle along, local boat rowers often share intriguing stories related to the legends of Tam Coc, contributing to the sublime scenery with a dose of culture.

Explore the Royal Heritage at Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi Temple pays homage to the emperors and generals of the Tran Dynasty, who chose the Tam Coc – Trang An area, which they called Vu Lam Palace, as their military headquarters in their war against the Mongol invaders. Thai Vi Temple has become a sanctified site for visitors to pay homage to King Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, General Tran Hung Dao, and Queen Tran Thi Dung.

The temple is located among rice fields and jagged limestone mountains, assembling a tranquil scene of Vietnam’s heroic past. The incense smoke in the air and the temple’s historical architecture provide visitors with a genuine sense of reverence and history.

Document the Colorful Space of Thien Huong Grotto

Thien Huong Grotto is situated about halfway up Dong Vo Mountain. It is one of the most beautiful caverns in Ninh Binh Province. It is about 60 meters high and 40 meters long and is often called “Heaven Cave” due to its broad and open archway. There is a small altar inside her grotto for Tran Thi Dung, the wife of King Ly Hue Tong. She taught the local people of Ninh Hai Commune how to embroider. Each year, the locals commemorate her good nature by bringing offerings to her grotto and lighting incense.

The surrounding dome is spacious. The light that fills the cavern is gentle. The grotto exudes a certain tenderness and sacredness, which can inspire any visitor here and create the ideal setting for a photo opportunity.

Discover The Peaceful Space of Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda, located about 2 km from Tam Coc wharf, is halfway up a limestone mountain and has been dubbed “Nam Thien Dinh Ca”, and noted as the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam after Huong Tich cave. Bich Dong Pagoda was built in 1428 during the early Le dynasty, and was later expanded by King Le Hien Tong into three distinct pagodas, which include Lower, Middle, and Upper pagodas. The upper pagoda provides a view of mountains and lotus ponds, and showcases the serene beauty of the lush countryside of Ninh Binh.

Experience The Extraordinary Rock Formations at Tien Cave

Tien Cave, one of the caves in the Tam Coc – Bich Dong complex with three huge chambers with numerous formations of stalactites resembling multitudes of shapes ranging from dragons and lions to fairies and clouds, is said by the locals to hold some spiritual energy, as each formation resembles a mythical creature from Vietnamese folklore, and when you tap the wall, it resonates with a bell-like sound. It is difficult to describe an experience at Tien Cave other than it feels like you are inside a natural palace of various sparkling creations built over time and imagination.

Explore The Divine Serenity Of Linh Coc Pagoda

Linh Coc Pagoda lies hidden on the western wing of Moc Mountain, thought to have been built in the period of King Tran Thanh Tong. The pagoda is west-facing and overlooks green rice fields and still water. Inside the pagoda, we observe statues of old monks alongside the three holy mothers, which relate to the spiritual belief system of Vietnamese culture. In this serene space, accompanied by the sound of present-tense prayers, we are finally led to a space of contemplation and serenity.

Take A Walk In Time At Co Vien Lau

Located in the buffer zone of the Trang An Scenic Complex, Co Vien Lau is an outdoor museum filled with antique Vietnamese houses. Most of these houses were originally retrieved from Ninh Binh and the Red River Delta. These wooden houses reflect traditional Vietnamese architecture from the Nguyen Dynasty, and come filled with much older furniture, including beautifully-carved beds, tea cabinets, and altars. It seems like walking back in time as you walk through these houses. You can appreciate the craftsmanship and way of life of Vietnamese families centuries ago.

Attractions Nearby

Mua Cave: Mua Cave brings visitors an impressive experience with breathtaking mountains and unique rocks.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: If you are a culture-exploring lover, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an ideal place for you to experience.
Trang An Landscape Complex: Trang An Complex was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage in 2014, featuring a range of mysterious caves, historical sites, and limestone ridges.

Accommodations in Tam Coc

Tam Coc Garden Resort (163 – 225 USD/room)

The resort boasts a harmonious beauty of nature and local cultures. Inside each room, you can see plenty of furniture with elegant colors, together with a unique architectural style.

Tam Coc Melody Homestay (13 – 21 USD/room)

When coming here, visitors will be impressed with the green gardens surrounding the homestay. Besides that, the homestay also offers a range of delicious dishes and a warm space for your united meals.

Tam Coc Banana Bungalow (17 – 103 USD/room)

It takes you around 5 minutes to ride a bike to this destination from Tam Coc. The accommodation is outstanding with modern space but highlights the breathtaking beauty of local landscapes.

Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow (62 – 82 USD/room)

Many visitors highly evaluate this bungalow due to its excellent services, ranging from food to customer support. If you prefer a simple style but well-furniture space, let’s book this homestay.

Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow (41 – 58 USD/room)

This is a 3-star hotel in Ninh Binh that offers you various interesting activities during your visit. At night, this spot can bring you an amazing experience with colorful decorations.

Useful Tips When Visiting Tam Coc

Remember to bring umbrellas, sunscreen, and hats during the visit time
Avoid mid-day time to restrict the hot weather
Recommend packing vintage clothes for the magnificent photos
Book rooms in advance, especially during the tourism time for comfortable experiences
Go with a local guide for a comprehensive understanding of local culture (contact Vietnamtour.in)

Our blog has just reviewed outstanding attractions in Tam Coc, as well as shows a full guide to this destination. Let’s follow our useful tips to have the best time here. In case you want to discover more about Ninh Binh, don’t forget to refer to our Vietnam tour packages.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN NINH BINH